Easter: Clerics Task Christians On Peace, Forgiveness

National President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji NajeemYasin (left), and Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ado Mohammad, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Pilot Emergency Transport Scheme in Abuja, recently.

As Christians all over the world mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the Easter Celebration, clerics have admonished Christians to use the celebration as a period of sober reflection and self re-examination to enhance their spiritual growth and promote peaceful co-existence in the society.
The General Overseer of Global Reconciliation Ministry in Port Harcourt Pastor Edward Enenta gave the charge yesterday, while conducting a special Easter service.
He said Easter celebration was significant as it rekindled the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to mankind.
Enenta, who described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as an assurance of salvation, urged Christians to use the period to strengthen their faith in Christ who is the saviour of the world.
Speaking on the topic; “Do this in remembrance of me”, he said the holy communion was a symbol of purity, and decried the abuse of the practice by some people.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer of Chapel of Victory International Church, Rev. Ayo Odunayo, has also called on Christians to use the period of Easter to strengthen their relationship with God by showing love to mankind.
Speaking during the Easter Service at the Church in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Rev. Odunayo described love as the greatest mark of commitment to the service of God, and stressed that, Christ’s love for mankind was demonstrated on the cross of Calvary, where He laid down His life to save the world from damnation.
Another Cleric, Rev. Akuoma Kalu, also called on Christians to use Easter celebration to activate the spirit of forgiveness human fellowship and reconciliation.
Rev. Kalu, who is the resident Pastor of Assemblies of God Church, Ogbatai 1, Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State also called on Christians to embrace peace and promote Godliness in the society.
Similarly, Christians in Abuja joined other faithful around the world yesterday to observe Easter with prayers for peace in the country.
Clergy and faithful in churches within the FCT marked the day with special prayers for Nigerian leaders.
Clergymen in different church services also called on Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, faith and reconciliation with God.
At the All Christian Pentecostal Mission, Maitama, former State House Chaplain and General Overseer of the church, Rev. William Okoye, urged faithful to be willing to make sacrifices to advance the cause of society.
He said Christians including those in exalted positions in society must insist on doing the right things at all times.
At St. Matthews Anglican Church, Gwarimpa, Canon Ephriam Akanya, said Easter had brought the message of hope to all Christians.
According to Akanya, the resurrection of Christ is the most remarkable thing that has ever happened in Christianity.
He said Christ’s death and resurrection were a demonstration of God’s love for mankind, noting that Christians must reciprocate God’s love through reconciliation and unwavering faith in him.
In the same vein, clergymen at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Garki and Church of Assumption Parish, Asokoro, admonished faithful on the need for total submission to God’s will.
Rev. Fr Mark Okoi of the Church of Assumption said accepting Christ’s resurrection from the dead was one of the main preconditions for salvation.
Okoi said Christians must take advantage of the Easter season to reflect on their relationship with God and reconcile with him.
Rev. Fr. Peter Omale of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, urged Christians on repentance, submissiveness and faith in God.
He said the circumstances facing Nigerians were not strange to God which might be a fulfilment of His plans for Nigeria.
At the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Wuse Zone 3, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Joseph Oche, appealed to government to adequately fund and equip the security agencies to enable them to fight terrorism effectively.
Oche, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen shortly after the Easter service, also appealed to the insurgents to embrace dialogue and stop the destruction of lives and property.
The bishop urged politicians to play by the rules and should not use politics to destroy their fellow citizens.
The Vicar of the All Souls Anglican Church Lugbe, Abuja, Rev. Ochei Louis had called on Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in preaching peace, love and humility during and after  Easter.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday Louis said Christian faithful should always demonstrate Christ’s love by supporting the poor and the needy.
The vicar urged Christians to shun activities that could breach peace and order, saying that such activities would amount to “crucifying Jesus Christ the second time.’’
He expressed concern over the loss of lives and property in the country and urged all citizens to remain calm, prayerful and put their trust in God.
He said the life of Jesus Christ entailed love and humility and urged all Christians to show love by caring for everyone around them, especially the children.

Taneh Beemene